Study demonstrates fibroblasts participate in the formation of vascular malformations—a potential new target for therapy

A study by researchers and clinicians at the University of Eastern Finland and Helsinki University Hospital provides novel insight into the previously unknown effects of fibroblasts in regulating blood vessel formation in vascular malformations. In the study, the researchers demonstrated that fibroblasts participated in the formation of venous malformations. Drug therapy with afatinib, an ErbB inhibitor, resulted in reduced lesion volume. The findings could be used in developing treatments for vascular malformations with a fibrous component.